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University of Reading

Vice-Chancellor's start of term message

Monday, 18 April 2016

Sir David Bell

Welcome back to the beginning of the summer term at the University. It is always a period of immense hard work on the part of students and staff alike, culminating in the excitement and joy of graduation ceremonies. They will come round in no time at all.

I want to highlight a few items of note.

First, all-staff briefings. Along with my University Executive Board colleagues, I will be holding a series of staff information and discussion sessions next month as follows:

  • National Grid, Greenlands (2pm, Monday 9 May) 
  • Madejski Theatre, Agriculture Building (1pm, Wednesday 11 May)
  • G11, Henley Business School (1pm, Thursday 12 May)
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In various combinations across the different briefings, our Pro-Vice-Chancellors will update staff on the progress being made in their respective area of responsibility. The sessions promise to be interesting and informative and will highlight the great work that is being done across so many different fronts. 

Second, the Whiteknights capital programme. We will soon be announcing the contractor for the Library refurbishment. Preparation work will start over the summer, with the major construction starting in the autumn.

Many of you will have noticed that work has begun on Chancellor's Way on the Whiteknights campus for the new temporary teaching and office space. This will enable us to relocate staff and students as work begins elsewhere on campus. Taken together with our other building plans, this represents a major investment in our future development as an institution. 

Third, our Ethical Investment Policy. This month, we have set out plans to make our investment portfolio completely transparent and bring in a tougher policy towards the most carbon-intensive companies. This is a big step forward in being more selective, engaged and responsible in our day-to-day investment decisions. RUSU has campaigned consistently on this issue and should take credit for progress now being made.

Fourth, the RUSU/University EU debate. This week, the RUSU in conjunction with the University is holding a debate on Thursday night (21 April) on remaining in, or leaving, the European Union – ahead of the referendum on 23 June. 

The University is fully behind RUSU’s campus campaign to ensure our students are on the electoral register. The University as an institution is taking a strictly neutral and impartial stance in the campaign. Universities are places of debate, discussion and analysis so staff and students are, of course, free to campaign on either side of the debate in a personal capacity.

Fifth, Alumni Homecoming. On 25 June, we are continuing to mark our 90th anniversary with our Alumni Homecoming on the Whiteknights campus. It will be a great event to celebrate the success of the tens of thousands of alumni who have studied here over the years, with over 400 people joining us on the day.

There are other things too. In the coming weeks and months, we will provide more information on a series of exciting projects, including the lead-in to the opening of the School of Architecture in September; next steps on the Thames Valley Science Park; and the continuing evolution of University of Reading Malaysia. Watch out too for a number of lectures and events across our campuses and beyond, many of which I will have the pleasure of introducing and enjoying.

Along with Open Days, conversion activity and much else besides, it promises to be an interesting and enjoyable few months. Let's hope the sun shines throughout!